Regard vs. With Regard to
What's the Difference?
Regard and with regard to are both phrases that indicate consideration or attention towards something or someone. However, "regard" is a standalone term that can be used to express respect or admiration for someone or something, while "with regard to" is a more formal expression that is often used to introduce a topic or subject in a discussion or written piece. Both phrases convey a sense of thoughtfulness and acknowledgment, but "with regard to" is typically used in a more professional or formal context.
Comparison
| Attribute | Regard | With Regard to |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Consideration or attention | In relation to or concerning |
| Usage | Used to show respect or admiration | Used to introduce a topic or subject |
| Formality | Can be formal or informal | Generally formal |
| Function | Expresses a feeling or attitude | Introduces a specific context |
Further Detail
Definition
Regard is a verb that means to consider or think of in a specified way. It can also mean to look at or observe closely. For example, "She regards him as a close friend." With regard to, on the other hand, is a prepositional phrase that means concerning or in relation to. For example, "With regard to your question, I will provide an answer."
Usage
Regard is typically used in sentences where someone is considering or thinking about something or someone. It is often followed by a noun or pronoun. For example, "He regards her as a mentor." With regard to is used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed. It is often followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, "With regard to the recent budget cuts, we need to find a solution."
Formality
Regard is a more formal term and is often used in written communication or formal speech. It is not as commonly used in casual conversation. With regard to is also a formal term and is often used in professional settings or academic writing. It is not typically used in informal conversations.
Clarity
Regard can sometimes be ambiguous in sentences where it is not clear what is being considered or thought about. For example, "She regards him highly." With regard to is often used to introduce a specific topic or subject, which can help clarify the focus of the sentence. For example, "With regard to the upcoming project, we need to assign roles."
Variations
Regard can be used in various forms, such as regarded, regarding, regards, etc. These variations allow for flexibility in sentence structure and tense. With regard to is a fixed phrase and does not have many variations. It is typically used as is in sentences to introduce a topic or subject.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both regard and with regard to are related in meaning, they have distinct differences in usage, formality, clarity, and variations. Regard is a verb that means to consider or think of in a specified way, while with regard to is a prepositional phrase that means concerning or in relation to. Understanding the nuances of these terms can help improve clarity and precision in communication.
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